These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we may recognize and honor the dignity which we have been given in being called children of God

For the grace to grow in wisdom: that the Spirit will give us insight into our experiences and help us to learn from them how to hear God’s invitation and cooperate more fully with God

For all families: that family members may support one another and help each other grow in wisdom, age and grace, and walk closer with God each day

For all couples: that they may grow in their love for each other and be signs of God’s unconditional love to each other

For all parents: that they may love their children and help them grow in understanding and living Christian values

For parents of children who are missing or at risk: that God will protect their children from harm, give strength to the parents and help the parents to continue to show love for their children

For parents of young adults: that they may guide them as they embark on life’s journey, encourage them toward responsibility and support them through the challenges that they will encounter

For all children: that they may grow safely in body, mind and spirit, and develop their gifts and talents to their fullest

For family members who are in conflict or who are estranged: that God’s love will heal their hearts and dissolve pride so that they may share the joy of fellowship and love again

For all engaged couples: that they may continue to discover God’s gift that they are to each other and support one another as they grow in faith and love together

For all who have no families, for those who are alienated from or rejected by their families: that they may experience love and acceptance through this Christian community

For couples and children awaiting adoption: that God will bring them together in love, guide them through the legal process and help them with all the adjustments of family life

For those who are experiencing divorce: that the Christ Child may bring healing and hope to their hearts

For all who are grieving, particularly children who have lost parents and parents who have lost children: that they may know that God is with them and draw strength and hope from the Holy Family who experienced great loss and pain

For all who are ill, who have experienced abuse or who live amidst violence: that the Spirit of God will heal them, give them strength and help them to live life fully each day

For all who are away from family and loved ones during this season, particularly missionaries and members of the military: that God will guide them in their work, keep them safe from harm and reunite them with family in the new year